When a reader asked us if there were any inflation payments made to residents in Ontario, as has happened in every other province, the answer we found was no.
We questioned MPP Ross Romano a week ago but his office has not responded to the question. So we did some research of our own.
In January, the government of Alberta outlined the details of its plan to hand out at least $600 to families with children, seniors and low-income, as part of a $2.8-billion package of measures aimed at providing relief from inflation and the high cost of living.
Alberta was among several provinces to announce direct payments to the public.
Seniors 65 and older and parents or guardians with children under 18 could apply for the tax-free payments through a government portal. Applicants needed a household income below $180,000 and could receive $100 monthly for each child.
Also last month New Brunswick distributed $225 to low-income individuals and $450 to families.
On Prince Edward Island, tax-free payment were sent to individuals with an income of up to $100,000 who received $500, while single individuals with incomes between $100,000 and roughly $125,000 will get a prorated amount.
Couples and single parents with a combined income of up to $100,000 will receive an increase of $1,000. Couples and single parents making between $100,000 and $145,000 will get a prorated amount as well.
British Columbia sent out enhanced BC Family Benefit payments going to families with low and moderate incomes and children under 18. Payments were for a maximum of $350 for a family with two children.
Last year Saskatchewan paid $500 to every resident over 18 but this was regardless of the person’s income.
Manitoba sent out payment for those over 18 years of age with a net family income under $175,000, $225 for a single person and $375 for a couple.
Payments of up to $600 to Quebecers were made in November to help them pay for immediate needs, like groceries, housing, clothing and transportation.
The payments, which were distributed in December to the 6.5 million Quebecers who earned up to $104,000 in 2021.
The Newfoundland and Labrador government announced last year to send $500 cheques to all residents who made less than $100,000 last year, with those earning up to $125,000 getting smaller cheques.
Why do the provinces have to handle the bulk task of easing inflation (which will invariably lead to increased taxes/fees) when Canada is faring among the worst due to Justinflation. I’d say it should be a federal burden but then he’ll just pass the burden back to us, being a tax happy government.
Canada’s inflation rate compares favourably to the other G20 nations. And it’s falling.
Hold hope. I hear Dougie’s working on important inflation fighting rebates. All developers will be getting $1,000,000 cheques as long as their income is less than $5,000,000,000. For those making over the limit, the cheques will be $2,000,000.